SOLKANAVATORNO, LLC    architects

Harold T. Branch Academy, a new magnet high school, is a partnership between Del Mar College and the Corpus Christi Independent School District.  The facility was designed to help students explore highly-skilled career paths in a collaborative setting.  Students will earn high school and college credits as well as industry-standard certifications concurrently at this high school. 

The new high school is designed around a central entry axis with a raised entry tower.  The main circulation is organized along a cross axis with 9 typical classrooms and 1 science lab.  Other spaces include media library, multi-purpose room, delivery kitchen and administrative offices.  Corridors are designed with “Common Area” pockets to allow for more interaction outside of classroom setting.

The interior finishes are primarily painted gypsum board walls with plastic laminate wainscot.  Corridors and entrance floors are polished/stained concrete.  The exterior building materials are comprised of brick veneer and glazed clay tile.  The facility is designed for future expansion of the Academy.  There is parking for +110 cars including accessible spaces and loading zones.

The site for the new magnet high school was chosen for its proximity to Del Mar College, as well as for the inner-city demographic that it serves.  The project is an urban renewal of a previously under-utilized property which had a partially razed elementary school and a small portable building occupying almost 5 acres